Q&A
Q1: My I-94 currently says ‘D/S.’ What happens to me after September 15? DHS has transition provisions for current D/S students. However, the protection that prevented unlawful presence from accruing under D/S will no longer apply once the rule takes effect. Confirm your program end date now and understand when EOS obligations may apply to you.
- If you are currently on OPT/ STEM OPT with I94 on D/S, your expired date in the U.S is your EAD End Date. When you finish the OPT, the grace period will still be 60 Days.
- For current F-1 students, if you need to start your OPT/ STEM OPT extension application from Sep 15, 2026 to Mar 18, 2027, you don’t need to file EOS as well. If you need to submit the OPT/ STEM OPT application after Mar 18, 2027, even if your I94 is D/S, you still need to file EOS.
Q2: What is an Extension of Stay and how do I file one? An Extension of Stay (EOS) is a formal application submitted to USCIS that requests continued F-1 status beyond the date on your I-94. It must be filed before your I-94 expires. It is not automatic and is separate from your DSO’s program extension.
Q3: If my EOS application is still pending after my I-94 expires, am I out of status? No. If you filed a timely EOS application, before your I-94 expired, you are authorized to continue your full course of study while the application is under review. Employment authorization also continues automatically for up to 240 days.
Q4: I am applying for OPT. Does this rule affect my application? For the first six months after the rule takes effect. From Sep 15, 2026 to Mar. 18, 2027, students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension are temporarily exempt from the EOS filing requirement. Outside that window, standard EOS rules apply. More details of EOS will be waiting for USCIS guidance.
Q5: My program takes five years to complete. What do I need to do? You will be admitted for a maximum of four years. Before your I-94 expires, you must file an Extension of Stay with USCIS to cover the remaining program period. Your DSO will need to issue an updated I-20 recommending the extension, but the final decision rests with USCIS.
- For current students in the U.S and I-94 with D/S, if your program takes more than five years, the expired date is no longer than Nov. 14, 2030 including 60 days grace period.
Q6: Where should I go for guidance specific to my situation?Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) is your first point of contact.
Q7: What is EOS? How much does EOS Cost? Is Premium Processing available? How long does standard processing take?
- EOS meaning Extension of Stay which is represented Form I-539
- Base Filing Fee: $420 (if filed online) or $470 (if filed on paper).
- For currently, Premium Processing is NOT available for Form I-539 extensions for F-1/F-2 students.
- Typically 3 to 6+ months, depending on the USCIS Service Center handling the case and the specific visa category.
Q7: Can I travel outside the U.S while my EOS is pending? No. Leaving the United State while EOS is pending will cause USCIS to consider the application abandoned, resulting is an automatic denial of change of extension request
Disclaimer
This article is produced by Cptlighthouse Inc. for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional immigration counsel.
Cptlighthouse Inc. is an education and recruiting consulting firm. We do not provide immigration legal services.
Every student’s immigration situation is unique. If you have questions about how this rule applies to your specific circumstances, please contact your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) or consult a licensed immigration attorney.